The Lampas Society

The Lampas Society was formed at the instigation of past Principal Mrs Elizabeth Ward, who gathered some parents and staff together in 2002 to brainstorm the idea. This group investigated similar organisations in other schools and worked, over the next months, to develop an appropriate constitution (not the simplest activity) and to determine the structure and fees that would be appropriate. The name came later at the suggestion of former Old Collegian, Head Girl and staff member Joan Kent (Battersby 1946) who turned 91 this year. It is, of course, derived from our motto, Lex Dei Vita Lampas.

Lampas was launched at a cocktail party in April 2004. This new group, established for fun, friendship (and definitely not fundraising), only required that one had an interest in PLC. Chris Garde, a keen member of the founding committee, produced a marvelously varied list of things to do and see in Melbourne. These were often activities which people might not have gone to of their own initiative, or which might have been more difficult to arrange alone, and all were at a manageable cost. Subsequent Lampas committees have continued this practice. The original committee spent quite a bit of time adjusting the constitution. Managing the subscriptions proved difficult and in 2006 Elizabeth Ward agreed that in future membership of the Society would be free to anyone who completed a membership form.

Three of the fascinating early visits were to the then recently opened Shrine Undercroft, the jewel cave that is the The Johnson Collection and Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park, in the middle of the Yarra River. More recent pre Covid excursions included, for example, two trips to Bendigo to see exhibitions relating to Marilyn Munroe, and the work of Balenciaga, a tour of Bishopscourt and the Lyon House museum and Galleries in Kew. The wonderful speakers at both the Annual Meetings and the September Luncheons have always been a delight; engaging, informative and amazing. We invite past staff and Old Collegians to share their fascinating lives after PLC.

Over the 18 years the stimulation provided has been wonderful. Long may it continue!

All members of the PLC community, their families and friends are welcome to attend our interesting, low-cost and varied events during the year. Membership of the Lampas Society is free. For more information, please contact the President, Mrs Christine Bradbeer at lampas@plc.vic.edu.au or Julie Schroeder jschroeder@plc.vic.edu.au

Beverlie Asprey passed away peacefully on the 1 August 2020 at Chelsea Manor.

Beverlie’s warmth, humour and ready smile made her a very welcoming presence in the library and in the wider staff community, morning teas and meetings. She enjoyed the interaction with the girls and staff alike. Beverlie was a willing participant in the many extracurricular activities the school had to offer including for many years the Year 7 Camping program at Crystal Creek, music concerts and arts activities. At her farewell, Beverlie mentioned that her most memorable year at PLC was 1975, the 100 year anniversary celebrations. After leaving PLC, Beverlie continued an active professional life in many roles other than librarian.

Gloria Foon passed away on 6 June 2020 aged 92.

All those who knew Gloria were sad to hear of her death, although she had lived a long and fruitful life. She was an elegant, kind, gentle, sensitive and thoughtful person with a great sense of fun. She had the highest standards for herself and for the students she taught. Past colleagues and students have very fond memories of her. She continued to show an interest in the lives of her students, long after they left PLC.

Gloria was particularly an inspiration for all language teachers and was a cheerful colleague, always willing to offer her help when other staff needed it. She was a fine Head of Languages for many years at PLC. We are grateful for all she gave us, as a colleague, teacher and friend.

Suzanne Strangward passed away in May 2019.

Suzanne was an enthusiastic and innovative Mathematics teacher and stimulating colleague for members of other departments. During and after her time at the College, Suzanne was very supportive of many Gifted Education initiatives, including Tournament of the Minds. Later she concentrated specifically on Future Problem Solving in which teams of PLC girls won huge and coloured trophies in America. She was an evaluator of FPS competitions, the Australian National Director for five years and a member of the Future Board of Trustees. Suzanne also played a significant role in the introduction of IB to the PLC curriculum. Suzanne’s interest in books and bridge kept her involved with former colleagues long after she retired. She is missed and remembered with gratitude.